self-assured
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-assured
First recorded in 1705–15
Explanation
Someone who's self-assured is confident in themselves. It's a lot easier to speak in front of a large group when you're self-assured. If you're shy and unsure of yourself, you'll never be described as self-assured. The self-assured people in your life are the ones who speak up confidently, stand up for themselves, and are poised and positive. This adjective first appeared in the early 18th century, from self and assured, which shares the Latin root securus, "safe," with the word secure.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A self-assured, naive young woman joins a dysfunctional theater company in Beryl Bainbridge’s darkly comic novel of mishaps and maturity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
In these images Sellers—a comic giant at the height of his career—acts as an eager paparazzo chasing after the self-assured ingénue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
“Katie’s a very tenacious, self-assured individual,” recalled Jordan Ball, who was a senator for the opposition party.
From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025
Grimes’ vocals still dart and jab around most tracks, but tracks like “California” carry the unmistakable, self-assured delivery of a person who just started making their own granola.
From Salon • Nov. 7, 2025
She could be self-assured and confident like Aunt Rose.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
